The Mulonde airstrip in the Democratic Republic of Congo is much more than just a piece of land. It is a witness to the past, a complex story that raises profound questions about land management and the colonial legacy that persists in the country. Let’s dive into the heart of this land saga, through the multiple stories and issues that shape it.
The story of Mulonde begins with Mr. Pala, a German who is said to have been the first owner of this concession. Over the years, the airstrip has changed hands, from tenants to tenants, from Greek families to Congolese. Each new owner brought their own vision and plans for the site, sometimes transforming the airfield into an abandoned land, overgrown with vegetation.
But beyond the changes of owners, there is a whole social and historical dynamic that is at play around this concession. The villagers of Mulonde, privileged witnesses of these upheavals, highlight the shortcomings of the land system in the DRC, where the rights of local populations are sometimes flouted in favor of powerful interests.
Indeed, the Mulonde track crystallizes the tensions between economic development and respect for local communities. How can these two imperatives be reconciled? How can a sustainable future be ensured for this site while preserving the rights of the region’s inhabitants?
The revitalization of the track by Mr. Katumbi, the last owner, opens up new perspectives for Mulonde. His ambition to develop the site arouses renewed interest in this forgotten land. However, the question remains: what will be the impact of these projects on local populations? How can their participation and benefit be guaranteed in this new era for Mulonde?
Beyond local issues, the Mulonde track raises broader questions about land management in the DRC. The need for transparent and inclusive dialogue between the different stakeholders appears to be an essential condition for ensuring harmonious development that respects the rights of each individual.
In short, the Mulonde track is the symbol of multiple and complex challenges. Between troubled land history, development issues and the rights of local populations, its history questions our ability to reconcile past and future, individual interests and the common good. Mulonde invites us to reflect on the choices we make today, and on the consequences they will have tomorrow.